Xitang Ancient Town: The Fireworks and Poetry of a Thousand-Year-Old Water Town

1. A Living Scroll of a Thousand Years Xitang, a thousand-year-old ancient town hidden in the northern Zhejiang plain, is famous for its "waters of the Spring and Autumn period, town of the Tang and Song dynasties, buildings of the Ming and Qing dynasties, and people of the modern era." Located at the junction of Jiangsu, Shanghai, and Zhejiang, historically known as "Wu Root and Yue Corner," it has been inhabited for four to five thousand years. Legends of Wu Zixu’s water conservancy projects and Su Dongpo’s visit to Xiangfu Pond add a mysterious veil to the town. The ancient town currently preserves 250,000 square meters of Ming and Qing architecture, with a kilometer-long covered corridor winding along the river, over 100 stone bridges spanning the waterways, and more than 120 deep and quiet alleys, forming a unique "Nine Dragons Holding a Pearl" layout. Strolling through, the bluestone paths polished by time shine brightly, white walls and black tiles reflect in the clear water, as if traveling back to the ancient days of "rising with the sun and resting at sunset." 2. Must-See Water Town Highlights Yan Yu Corridor: The kilometer-long covered corridor is Xitang’s iconic symbol, providing shade and shelter for pedestrians. Shops line the riverbank, where the scents of tea and wine mingle with the bustling market sounds, painting a vivid picture of water town life. Shipi Alley: Known as the "Skyline Alley," this narrow lane is only 0.8 meters wide at its narrowest point, flanked by high walls. Sunlight filters through the gaps, casting mottled shadows that evoke a deep sense of history. Songzi Laifeng Bridge: This double bridge features a unique design with steps on one side and a ramp on the other, symbolizing "dragon and phoenix bringing prosperity." Standing on the bridge overlooking the city river, black-awning boats sway gently, creating a scene like an ink painting. Night in Xitang: When night falls, red lanterns light up the bars on Tangdong Street, folk songs blend with the shimmering river surface; the "Dream Xitang · Boat Story" flower boat parade lights up Xutang River, with six themed flower boats performing six major chapters of life. Lantern parades on land and traditional Chinese-style flash mobs bring the atmosphere to a climax. 3. Jiangnan Memories on the Palate Xitang’s cuisine is the taste code of water town culture: Lu’s Small Wontons: Wontons with skins as thin as cicada wings wrapped around tender meat filling, served in broth dotted with pickled mustard seeds, fragrant and appetizing. Guan Laotai Stinky Tofu: Crispy on the outside and tender inside, dipped in sweet and spicy sauce, each bite bursts with rich bean aroma. Qianshi Cake: Soft, glutinous, and sweet, this cake made from gorgon fruit is a must-buy souvenir, steaming hot with the aroma of rice and osmanthus. Qiantang Renjia: A century-old riverside restaurant recommended for steamed white fish and eel in fragrant oil sauce, offering the authentic flavors of water town river delicacies. 4. The Symbiosis of Culture and Life Xitang’s unique charm lies in the perfect blend of native life and ancient town scenery. 2,600 households still live here, with elders washing clothes by the river in the morning and the sound of Pingtan storytelling drifting from teahouses in the afternoon. Traditional customs such as field songs, temple fairs, and water town weddings are passed down through generations. The town is also one of the birthplaces of Wu-Yue culture, producing 19 imperial scholars during the Ming and Qing dynasties. The Nanshe Society, founded by Liu Yazi, was active here, leaving many poetic and calligraphic treasures. Today, Xitang is not just a scenic spot but a living community—visitors can participate in Hanfu experiences, learn Yue opera, and make lanterns, touching the warmth of traditional culture through interaction. 5. Xitang’s Seasonal Charms Spring (March-May): Cherry blossoms and azaleas bloom in competition, and the Hanfu Twelve Flower God parade adds a romantic atmosphere to the ancient town. Summer (June-August): Ride a rowboat through the waterways, listening to soft Wu dialect opera snippets from the boat’s bow. The lively bar street at night complements the cool riverside breeze. Autumn (September-November): With clear skies and fragrant osmanthus, the ancient town looks even more rustic and peaceful against the backdrop of red leaves. The Hanfu Culture Week (November) attracts enthusiasts worldwide to the grand event. Winter (December-February): Fewer tourists, and Xitang covered in snow resembles an ink painting. The incense of the Huguo Suiliang King Temple fair and the sweet aroma of Laba porridge make the New Year atmosphere especially rich. 6. Practical Information Tickets: 95 RMB per person (includes combined ticket for attractions), free entry after 5 PM (small attractions closed), discounts for students and seniors. Transportation: Take high-speed rail to Jiashan South Station, then bus 222 (free during peak hours) or tourist direct line (5 RMB, 30 minutes direct); for self-driving, navigate to "Xitang Third Parking Lot" (30 RMB/day). Accommodation: Recommended riverside guesthouses such as Xitang Wanda Meihua Resort Hotel, offering free Hanfu experiences, a 3-minute walk to the scenic entrance, quiet at night and convenient transportation. Tips: The fewest visitors are between 6-8 AM, perfect for enjoying the town’s tranquility; Hanfu outfits in light colors are recommended to better match the black tiles and white walls. Xitang is a dream about Jiangnan. It has the gentleness of "small bridges, flowing water, and homes," and the vitality of "the Qinhuai River with oar sounds and lantern shadows." It lets you quietly listen to the passage of time under the corridor and feel modern energy on the bar street. Whether you are tracing historical footprints or longing for a poetic dwelling, Xitang will make you fall in love with this thousand-year-old water town in its own unique way.